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Thailand's capital city draws an estimated 45 million tourists yearly and several travel publications have deemed it one of the world's best cities. It's easy to see why travelers would gravitate there, with its colorful patchwork of Buddhist temples and ultra-modern hotels, gleaming taxis and three-wheeled tuk-tuks. Though Bangkok is a year-round destination, its flood-inducing monsoons, tourist droves and traditional festivals are important considerations.

Weather

Bangkok’s nicest weather spans the months between November and February. During this this time, the area experiences less frequent rain and moderate temperatures, making Bangkok more livable. Thailand’s dry period generally lasts from mid-November to May, with cool breezes across the country making for a temperate climate up until mid-February. March through May, temperatures in the city rise considerably, with average daytime highs around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The monsoon season sweeps through between May and July, usually lasting into November. The rainiest months are usually August and September when flooding in various parts of Bangkok is common.

Crowds

Most tourists head to Bangkok from November to late March, though July and August is a secondary peak season. It’s virtually impossible to explore the city without rubbing shoulders with fellow travelers during this time, and Bangkok’s outdoor beer bars are saturated with them. Visitors also tend to flock to the city during Christmas and New Years, as weather conditions are ideal and the city hosts numerous holiday festivities throughout Bangkok. Those looking to avoid crowds and willing to put up with less favorable weather should visit from April to June or September and October.

Prices

Although Bangkok is a wallet-friendly destination thanks to Thailand’s favorable exchange rate and cheap living costs, peak tourist season drives up airfare and accommodation prices. Travelers planning to visit from November through March should book airline tickets and lodging well in advance, as they fill up quickly. Reserving these essentials closer to your planned departure date generally means missing out on budget accommodations and reasonably priced airfare. Less crowded months in Bangkok (April to June, September and October) offer the best opportunities to save on airfare and rooms. June makes for a good compromise as the rainy season isn’t yet in full swing and visitors can still snag bargains.

Events

Visitors looking to participate in Bankok’s festival season should visit from November through May. One of Thailand’s most popular celebrations, the picturesque Loy Krathong festival, takes place each November during the full moon. On this night, families head to the Chao Phraya River and to public parks to place their krathongs, small lotus-shaped containers filled with offerings to ancient water spirits and outfitted with lit candles, in water. This ritual is meant to float away people’s troubles and bring good fortune, accompanied by elaborately decorated floats, fireworks and dances. In mid-April, the Thai New Year festival (Songkran) dominates the city for three days, during which people engage in friendly water battles, drenching family and friends with buckets of water to commemorate the beginning of the rainy season.

Considerations

As of 2010, several governments have issued Bangkok travel advisories in response to the anti-government violence there from March to May. A series of “red shirt protests” broke out during this time, leading to grenade attacks and armed conflict between protesters and security forces, killing more than 80 people and wounding 2,100, including foreigners. Authorities declared a State of Emergency in Bangkok that was still being enforced as of August 2010. Visitors should monitor news coverage and Bangkok travel warnings before leaving home. The British Foreign Commonwealth Office, among others, advises its citizens to avoid any political demonstrations and to always carry their passports with them for Bangkok’s increased security checkpoints.

Resources

About the Author

Currently based in France, Laura Dixon has been a freelance writer since 2008. Dixon specializes in various topics including health, travel and culture. Previously, she worked as a weekly newspaper reporter in Central California. Dixon holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and international relations from the University of California.

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